How To Make Seed Bombs

If you want to grow more wildflowers and help pollinators thrive, seed bombs are a fun, easy way to add colour to your garden (or any little patch of soil), and they’re a perfect project for kids over the school holidays.

In this post, we’ll show you how to make seed bombs step-by-step, what they are and why they’re such a great way to support bees, butterflies and other wildlife.

What is a seed bomb?

A seed bomb is a small ball made from soil/compost, wildflower seeds and a binding material like clay or flour. Once dried, you can throw them onto bare ground, and as the weather breaks down the soil, the seeds inside start to grow. The soil or compost they’re in gives the seeds a head start, so even if they land on pretty barren ground, they have their own source of nutrition!

Seed bombs have their roots in ancient farming techniques and were later used in guerrilla gardening to bring life to neglected urban spaces. They’re a brilliant way to plant wildflowers, especially in spots that are tricky to reach or in areas where you can’t dig.

Seed bombs recipe: What you’ll need

Making seed bombs at home is simple. Here’s what you need:

• 1 part wildflower seeds
• 3 parts peat-free compost or garden soil
• 5 parts flour or powdered clay (to help hold it all together)
• A little water
• A bowl to mix them in
• A tray to dry them on

This recipe typically makes around 8 to 12 walnut-sized seed bombs. You can easily scale it depending on how many you want to make.

How to make seed bombs

1. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your seeds, compost and flour (or clay). Stir until the seeds are evenly distributed.
2. Add water slowly: Drizzle a little water into the mix and stir. Keep adding small amounts until the mixture sticks together like dough. Avoid adding too much water.
3. Roll into balls: Take small amounts and roll into walnut-sized balls.
4. Let them dry: Place on a tray or baking sheet and dry for 24–48 hours in a warm place.
5. Throw and grow: Toss them into bare soil and let nature do the rest!

How to make seed bombs with paper

If you don’t have compost or clay handy, you can make seed bombs using paper:

1. Tear up newspapers or scrap paper into small pieces.
2. Soak in warm water for 30 minutes.
3. Mash into a pulp.
4. Stir in your wildflower seeds.
5. Form into balls or use moulds.
6. Dry completely before planting or tossing.
7. Tip: If it doesn’t bind, add a little flour after step 4.

These are lightweight, biodegradable and make an eco-friendly craft project.

Where to use seed bombs

Be mindful of where you throw seed bombs. Avoid private land or public spaces without permission. Here are suitable places:

• Bare patches in your garden
• Wild corners of your allotment
• Containers or window boxes
• School wildlife gardens (with permission)

They’re especially great for pollinator patches – small areas planted to attract bees and butterflies.

How to plant a seed bomb

Just throw them onto bare soil – no digging or covering needed. Rain breaks down the outer layer, giving seeds a chance to germinate. Choose sunny spots with low competition from grass.

Why seed bombs are great for bees and butterflies

Wildflowers provide essential food for pollinators. Sadly, they’re often lost in urban spaces and tidy gardens. Seed bombs give pollinators more places to thrive – a small but impactful way to support biodiversity.

Ready to get started?

Get the kids involved as a school holiday or science project! Use pollinator-friendly seeds from our Pronto Seed collection and bring your garden to life.

For more bee-friendly gardening tips, visit our Planting for Bees and Butterflies blog post.